Colavita olive oil...looking for good price?

LTH,

I really enjoy using Colavita extra virgin olive oil. And depending on what I'm cooking, I sometimes use a pure olive oil (not pomace). Recently, I've enjoyed cooking with Il Duomo (1 liter) pure olive oil from Bari at $11.49.

Over the years, the typical price for Colavita 1 liter extra virgin bottles has risen from $12-13 to now $17-18. So last time around, we picked up a 3 liter can at the old Caputos on Harlem, which was priced at 33.95 but on sale for a ridiculously low $22! We're now down to the very end of the can.

Yesterday at Conte di Savoia we saw the 3 liter for $42. They also had Colavita pure olive oil (not extra virgin, a blend of various Mediteranean oils, packed in Italy, a nice oil for cooking though) for $34. Ouch! (Bari no longer offers oils "packed in Italy" - only Italian oils!)

I can get the 3 liter extra virgin from Amazon with no tax and free shipping for $33.95, but I'm asking the LTH shopping swat team to keep an eye out for a better price on the Colavita 3 liter EVOO, before I pull the trigger on Amazon.

But it also wouldn't make much sense for me to burn up several gallons of gas in order to save $2.00 an a stinking can of olive oil, would it?

Thanks so much.

That seems awfully high to me, though I must admit I don't buy Colavita specifically - I've had good luck getting whatever's on sale - but I could see where you want something with a specific, consistent flavor.

I'll keep an eye next time I hit Oakton Market or Fresh Farms, which are the two places I would try - if it's urgent, I'd give them a call.

I used to use Colavita as my every day oil, but decided the price increase no longer justified it. (I think it's a version of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio syndrome.)

I'd consider switching. I think both the large plastic jugs of EVOO and the pricier vintage oil in glass bottles at Costco are both less than Colavita these days.

I've tried a handful of the various bottlings at Trader Joe's (many of them Spanish rather than Italian), and they're pretty cheap, but also pretty light on flavor. None has converted me.(Spiffy labels, though.)

It's been a while since I had it, but I think the Toro brand is pretty good for every day, and I used to see it at Conte di Savoie and similar spots in a 3L can. Don't know if it's comparably priced or not.

May I suggest that you switch to the "President's Reserve " brand from Trader Joe's . For $ 5.99 you get a full liter of very well balanced extra-virgin made from 100% Italian olives from Puglia and Sicily.
It is as good for cooking as for salads or to add to an appetizer or pasta dish.
If you want something special buy the non-filtered extra-virgin "novello" from Salvati that you can find at $10.99 for a full liter at the very interesting shop of :
J.P Graziano
901-W. Randolph St.
Chicago
Tel: 312-666-4587

Colavita,is a good but greatly over rated and overpriced Ev olive oil. If you really want that brand for a decent price go to Fresh Farms International at 5740 W. Touhy avenue in Niles

Evil Ronnie wrote:Over the years, the typical price for Colavita 1 liter extra virgin bottles has risen from $12-13 to now $17-18. So last time around, we picked up a 3 liter can at the old Caputos on Harlem, which was priced at 33.95 but on sale for a ridiculously low $22! We're now down to the very end of the can.

I could swear that I saw 3 liter Colavita "Evoo" for $19.99 today at Super Low in Elmwood Park.

Call first to make sure---

Super Low Food Center
7411 W. Grand
Elmwood Park,IL.

Evil,

I'm staring at Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a 3 litre tin for $24.99 at Fresh Farms on Touhy.

I have been using Colavita EV for many years and it a good quality olive oil.
If you ever get to Wisconsin, stop at Tenuta's in Kenosha. You get a price break on a 4 can/case which is how I purchase. I don't however know the current price but a call will get you the information.-Dick

stevez wrote:Evil,

I'm staring at Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a 3 litre tin for $24.99 at Fresh Farms on Touhy.

That sounds more like what I remember. Marketplace might even be a $1 or two lower, though it could easily go the other way.

Steve,

Thanks for the heads up. Just picked up one of those cans.

And thank you to the rest of the LTH Swat Team for your great feedback, not to mention quick response!

Prior to Steve calling me this afternoon, I picked up a liter of the Salvati "novello" at Graziano, which, by the way, Jim Graziano said was Sicilian rather than Tuscan.

Getting back to Fresh Farms, I've never seen anything like that place. Steve, you weren't kidding when you said the seafood department was fantastic. I even picked up 3 pairs of shad roe, which I just sauteed and finished with lemon butter.

Veal brains, liver, kidney, sweetbreads, and tail were displayed along with the rib and shoulder chops. Charcuterie for days.
Just like going to Six Flags!

Thanks again.

Evil Ronnie wrote: Veal brains, liver, kidney, sweetbreads, and tail were displayed along with the rib and shoulder chops. Charcuterie for days.
Just like going to Six Flags!

OMG, Banner quote!

This week's Garden Fresh Market flyer has a price of $21.99 for a 3-liter can of Colavita extra virgin olive oil.

Katie said: This week's Garden Fresh Market flyer has a price of $21.99 for a 3-liter can of Colavita extra virgin olive oil.

LTH Swat Team at work!

Ronnie, now that you've found your EVOO grail, care to express what it is about this oil in particular? Being a several-generation-deep cheapskate, myself, I always wonder what makes people hold out for a certain brand name, and sometimes I wind up agreeing with them. I haven't had Colavita in a while, but remember it as being one of the oils that's on the buttery side - knowing your background, I'm wondering what makes it better than some of the cheaper oils discussed on LTH.

For reference, there's a discussion of other oils here.

Hi Michelle,

You know, I guess part of it is that I'm somewhat drawn to certain brands, labels and such. The perfect consumer!

I am certain that there are many, many oils equivalent to or better than Colavita. Maybe cheaper depending where they are purchased. But it is a very good quality olive oil. We actually use pure olive oil more than Colavita evoo for cooking.

I'm the same way with butter. I've posted on this very forum that I can't sleep at night without a certain quantity of Plugra butter triple wrapped and in our freezer. For several years now, I have bought 83% butterfat Plugra from Whole Foods at $4.00 per pound. You yourself have posted on W.F. Plugra at that great price. Is Plugra the best possible butter? Definately not, but with Land o' Lakes at 5 bucks or higher, I like it just fine.

Evil Ronnie wrote:
I'm the same way with butter. I've posted on this very forum that I can't sleep at night without a certain quantity of Plugra butter triple wrapped and in our freezer. For several years now, I have bought 83% butterfat Plugra from Whole Foods at $4.00 per pound. You yourself have posted on W.F. Plugra at that great price. Is Plugra the best possible butter? Definately not, but with Land o' Lakes at 5 bucks or higher, I like it just fine.

Do you ever go to the European Imports outlet sales? We get the Plugra for anywhere from $2.00 to $2.50/lb. If you watch the dates, it's a good deal. I remember fondly the time they had 5lb blocks for a $1/lb. Messy to divvy up, vacuum pack, and freeze but did it save the $$$!

Evil Ronnie wrote:Katie said: This week's Garden Fresh Market flyer has a price of $21.99 for a 3-liter can of Colavita extra virgin olive oil.

LTH Swat Team at work!

Glad to help. Heck, if I knew where you lived I wouldn't mind running a can over to you, in the event Garden Fresh is too far away for you.

I've not done much olive oil comparing myself, but I also like to get Colavita when I see it for a good price. I am suspicious of olive oils labelled "packed in" a particular country (Italy or Spain or Greece or Argentina or whatever). I'd rather buy one that says what country the olives are actually from. Not to be snobbish, but so I can learn, gradually, if there are differences I can appreciate, or not.

cito wrote:I could swear that I saw 3 liter Colavita "Evoo" for $19.99 today at Super Low in Elmwood Park.

Super Low Food Center
7411 W. Grand
Elmwood Park,IL.

Quoting myself ( ) I can confirm that $ 19.99 is the correct price of 3 L. Colavita EVOO for anyone still interested.

Hi,

I saw what appeared to be a gallon, though it may be three liters, at Mike's Vegetable Stand in Highland Park for $32.99. No bargain at all, though maybe someone wants it without having to travel.

Regards,

Evil Ronnie wrote:Steve,

Thanks for the heads up. Just picked up one of those cans.

And thank you to the rest of the LTH Swat Team for your great feedback, not to mention quick response!

Prior to Steve calling me this afternoon, I picked up a liter of the Salvati "novello" at Graziano, which, by the way, Jim Graziano said was Sicilian rather than Tuscan.

Getting back to Fresh Farms, I've never seen anything like that place. Steve, you weren't kidding when you said the seafood department was fantastic. I even picked up 3 pairs of shad roe, which I just sauteed and finished with lemon butter.

Veal brains, liver, kidney, sweetbreads, and tail were displayed along with the rib and shoulder chops. Charcuterie for days.
Just like going to Six Flags!

Thanks again.

Made it to Fresh Farms on Touhy last Friday. No shad roe but I heartily disagree about the seafood department. While there are many varieties of fish available both whole and filleted, the quality is typical of many large Chicago area vendors where the fish is less than steller quality, cloudy eyes, dry fins and skin abound and i walked away with only some flounder roe. Unfortuneatly no veal brains or sweetbreads but I must say, other wise the veal selection was good and I purchased veal kidney, liver and a whole veal breast in the cryovac package at $1.99/# on sale. Most butchers cut w whole veal breast into three or more smaller marketable packages but do not cut a 'pocket' but leave a flap of meat on top. Very difficult to stuff and contain a pocket only attached on one side. Its a very extensive market that I need to spend more time in but not the fish area. I was on my way to H-Mart after picking up my summer supply of lump charcoal at Berger Bros and had another stop as well so I had to be on my way to get North before rush hour but I will go back to Fresh Farms if only for the veal selection.-Dick

3 liter Colavita at Bari today was priced very fairly at $25.95 vs. $42 at Conte di Savoia.

Evil Ronnie wrote:LTH,

....but I'm asking the LTH shopping swat team to keep an eye out for a better price on the Colavita 3 liter EVOO, before I pull the trigger on Amazon.

If you are still interested, Colavita EVOO is on sale, (starting today through 5-11) for $17.99 (3 ltr. can) at Shop & Save supermarkets. ( http://shopandsavemarket.com/ ...Warning !!...music kicks in when web page is opened)

Ron

LTH,

Picked up a 3L can of Colavita Extra Virgin last night for $19.99 at Marketplace on Oakton. Amazing!

Ten months later, picked up another 3L can today for $22.99. Fresh Farms on Touhy has it for $24.99.

Evil Ronnie wrote:Ten months later, picked up another 3L can today for $22.99. Fresh Farms on Touhy has ity for $24.99.

Did you buy yours at Marketplace on Oakton or elsewhere?

Regards,

Cathy,

Yes, at Marketplace on Oakton.

I was told by a friend that Fresh Farms on Touhy has the 3L can for $19.99. Looks like I jumped the gun.

3L plastic at Caputo's for $18.88.

Des Plaines
959 East Oakton Street
Des Plaines, IL 60018-2040
(847) 827-6700

Palatine
2070 North Rand Road
Palatine, IL 60074-2595
(847) 705-7200

Algonquin
100 South Randall Road
Algonquin, IL 60102-9774
(847) 458-9100

Looking at the online sales flyer's today, I see 3 liter plastic jugs on sale for $14.99 (limit 2) at Shop & Save area markets:

http://shopandsavemarket.com/page.php?img=1leLsHU.jpg

http://shopandsavemarket.com/page.php?img=01u7JOmI.jpg

Looking at the almost empty plastic jug I have it says..."Specially Packed For The Food Service Trade".

In addition, the bottle is stamped..."Origin: GR.TN.I" The label states...I Italy-GR Greece-TN Tunisia-TR Turkey.

I am certainly happy with this oil and at $14.99 for 3 liters; I'll be firing up the motorsickel in an hour or two.

Ron

I saw 3-liter metal canisters of Colavita olive oil at Mariano's in Vernon Hills on sale for $18.99 a week or more ago, and then $16.88 this week, but RonJS's find of the $14.99 price at Shop N Save trumps that.

Katie wrote:... but RonJS's find of the $14.99 price at Shop N Save trumps that.

Maybe...maybe not.

I just got back from the Shop& Save Bridgeview store. The plastic jug I bought there shows origins of..."GR.E.TN.".

No Italian olive oil content in that batch of Colavita EVOO....

Does that make a difference? I have no idea.

Ron